Skip to main content
Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Events and Workshops

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services hosts regular events, including Sweat Lodges, cultural workshops, and guest speakers. In addition to these events, we also host workshops and provide class presentations that introduce attendees to the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, such as residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and how these continue to impact Indigenous peoples today.

One-on-one support is available for students who wish to learn more about Indigenous cultures from the Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and/or the Indigenous Cultural Advisor, as well as student mental health counselling from an Indigenous cultural approach. Contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca for more information.

Brilliant Incubator: Indigenous Start

business student event

The virtual workshop session is Monday, April 20.

To register, email indigenous@ontariotechu.ca by April 10, 2020

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services is collaborating with Ontario Tech's Brilliant Catalyst to provide Indigenous students and alumni interested in entrepreneurship with an opportunity to participate in the Brilliant Incubator. 

Brilliant Incubator: Indigenous Start, a preparatory workshop and reflection activity for Indigenous students will be held on Monday, April 20. This is followed by the four-month Brilliant Incubator program, which runs from Monday, May 4 through to August and provides students with:

  • Access to resources, networking, mentoring and exclusive invitations to business networking events in Durham Region and the GTA.
  • Contacts and mentorship from local Indigenous business leaders.
  • Information about funding opportunities to support startups.
  • Practical business skills training and support.
  • Specialized support in a virtual workshop for Indigenous students, based on traditional knowledge, to help them understand and harness their strengths and gifts.

Participants must attend the virtual workshop on Monday, April 20 and complete self-reflection assignments before attending the Brilliant Incubator virtual sessions from May 4 to 15.

Learn more about the Brilliant Incubator.

 

 

 

 

Visiting Elder Program

Twice per year, we host a Visiting Elder Program to provide the university with an opportunity to learn from an Indigenous Elder. Elders are important members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities and are recognized for their knowledge, experience, wisdom, harmony and balance.  The next Visit from an Indigenous Elder will be in October.

From Contact 'Til Now

From Contact 'Til Now is an interactive session facilitated by the Indigenous Education and Cultural Services team that will provide participants with an experiential learning opportunity designed to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the history of colonization and how it has affected and continues to affect Indigenous peoples today. This presentation will include a smudging ceremony during the session. A debrief about the exercise will follow to explain its importance and relevance.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the next From Contact 'Til Now workshop. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Mini Pow Wow

In the first week of the fall semester, community members are invited to the annual Mini Pow Wow in Polonsky Commons. A Pow Wow is a celebration that showcases Indigenous music, dances, traditional regalia, food, crafts, and culture.

The 2019 Mini Pow Wow took place on Friday, September 6, 2019. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of COVID -19, the 2020 Mini Pow Wow event has been canceled. Stay tuned for information regarding the 2021 Mini Pow Wow. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca. 

Film Viewing and Discussion

Watch Indian Horse, a movie about residential schools. The film will be followed by a talk with Indigenous Elder Tony Bomberry. A counsellor will be available throughout the event.

This event took place on Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Regent Theatre. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Guest Speaker Series

In recognition of Louis Riel Day, Indigenous Educational and Cultural Services welcomed Jason Baerg, a Cree Métis artist. Baerg spoke about how his artwork has been influenced by profound Indigenous knowledge keepers and storytellers. 

This event took place on Thursday, November 14 at 61 Charles Street. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.